Is Bloomfield, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bloomfield, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Walworth County Planning Department, as Bloomfield typically requires short-term rental properties to comply with residential zoning restrictions and may require a conditional use permit or special exception. Contact the Bloomfield Town Hall at (262) 723-2675 to obtain necessary permits, which likely include a business license, occupancy permit, and potentially a short-term rental license with fees ranging from $50-200 annually. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Bloomfield's rural and lakefront areas, focusing on properties near Lake Geneva or other attractions that can command $150-300 per night. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities from retailers like Ashley Furniture in nearby Lake Geneva or online suppliers, budgeting $10,000-25,000 for a complete setup including kitchen essentials, comfortable bedding, and outdoor furniture for Wisconsin's seasonal appeal. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting Bloomfield's natural beauty and proximity to Lake Geneva attractions, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with higher prices during summer months and fall foliage season. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services like those in Lake Geneva, installing keyless entry systems, creating detailed house rules regarding noise and occupancy limits to maintain good neighbor relations in this small community, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax and any applicable local taxes on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable STR properties in Bloomfield, Wisconsin, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Lake Geneva and Williams Bay for water access appeal, proximity to Grand Geneva Resort, and areas with easy highway access for Chicago visitors. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, or lake views that command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak summer and fall seasons. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify gaps in the $150-250 nightly rate range, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 5-mile radius to understand occupancy patterns and seasonal pricing strategies. Utilize STR Helper for local regulation compliance, connect with Realty Executives or Coldwell Banker agents familiar with investment properties in the Lake Geneva area, and leverage PriceLabs for dynamic pricing optimization while monitoring local Facebook groups and tourism boards for emerging attractions that could drive demand to specific neighborhoods near recreational areas, golf courses, or event venues.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bloomfield, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Walworth County Planning and Zoning Department since Bloomfield is an unincorporated community, and submit a conditional use permit application which typically costs between $200-400. Required documents include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing the rental property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), septic system compliance certificate, well water testing results if applicable, and a detailed operational plan describing guest capacity, parking arrangements, and noise control measures. The application process involves submitting materials to Walworth County at 100 W Walworth Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121, followed by a public hearing before the Planning Commission which occurs monthly, and final approval by the County Board if recommended. The timeline typically spans 60-90 days from application submission to final approval, and Bloomfield-specific requirements include maintaining the property's rural character, limiting occupancy to no more than 8 guests, providing adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces plus 1 per bedroom), ensuring compliance with county septic and well regulations, and adhering to quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM to preserve the area's residential nature.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bloomfield, Wisconsin are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The town typically requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with safety standards, occupancy limits, and noise ordinances. Properties must meet building and fire codes, and operators usually need to register with the local municipality and potentially obtain a business license. Parking requirements, guest limits (often 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), and quiet hours are commonly enforced. Some residential zones may have restrictions on STR operations, particularly in areas zoned exclusively for single-family homes. Recent trends in Wisconsin municipalities have included increased oversight of STRs due to neighbor complaints and housing availability concerns, with some communities implementing stricter registration requirements and inspection protocols around 2020-2023. Property owners should verify current regulations with Bloomfield's town clerk or planning department, as local ordinances can change and may include specific prohibited areas or additional requirements for insurance, tax collection, and property management standards.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bloomfield, Wisconsin include the Lake Geneva vicinity due to its proximity to one of Wisconsin's premier vacation destinations attracting year-round tourists for boating, fishing, and resort activities, generating consistent rental demand from Chicago-area visitors seeking weekend getaways. The downtown Bloomfield area near Highway 11 offers strategic positioning for business travelers accessing nearby corporate facilities and manufacturing plants, while also serving tourists traveling between Lake Geneva and Wisconsin Dells. Properties near Bloomfield Park and recreational areas appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting for camping, hiking, and seasonal festivals, particularly during summer months when demand peaks. The residential neighborhoods along County Road P provide quieter accommodations for extended-stay guests and remote workers seeking peaceful retreats, while still maintaining easy access to major attractions. Areas within walking distance of local restaurants and shops on Main Street create added value for guests preferring walkable accommodations, especially during local events and farmers markets that draw regional visitors throughout the year.

In Bloomfield, Wisconsin, Airbnb hosts are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% on lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit the state's room tax of 5%, bringing the total state-level tax burden to 10%. Dane County (where Bloomfield is located) imposes an additional room tax of 3%, making the combined tax rate approximately 13% on short-term rental income. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by the 20th of the following month using Form ST-12. Hosts must register for a Wisconsin seller's permit before collecting taxes and maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions may apply for rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, certain government employees on official business, and qualifying nonprofit organizations, though documentation is required. Local municipalities may impose additional lodging taxes, so hosts should verify with Bloomfield's local tax authority for any city-specific requirements beyond the state and county obligations.

Starting an Airbnb in Bloomfield, Wisconsin requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor typically costs $8,000-12,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities runs $800-1,200. Permits and fees vary by local regulations but expect $200-500 for business licenses and short-term rental permits. Insurance including liability coverage and property protection adds $1,200-1,800 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost approximately $300-500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600-900), cleaning supplies ($200-300), maintenance reserves ($500-800), property management software ($150-300), and marketing expenses ($200-400) total roughly $1,650-2,700. Additional considerations include potential property improvements or repairs ($2,000-5,000) and working capital for unexpected expenses, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Bloomfield, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for apartments, with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% due to the area's proximity to Lake Geneva recreational activities and seasonal tourism patterns. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,400 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 25-40% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating lakefront cabins near Lake Geneva achieving higher margins of 35-45% by targeting weekend getaways and summer vacationers. Key success factors include strategic pricing during peak summer months (June-August) when daily rates can reach $200-$350, maintaining high cleanliness standards, providing amenities like kayaks or fire pits, and leveraging the area's appeal to Chicago and Milwaukee visitors seeking weekend retreats. Properties within 10 miles of Lake Geneva consistently outperform those in more rural areas of Bloomfield, with lakefront or lake-view properties commanding premium rates and achieving occupancy rates exceeding 70% during peak season.

Based on Bloomfield, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties in Bloomfield generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with initial investment recovery occurring around month 20-28 for most investors. The local tourism market, driven by proximity to Lake Geneva recreational areas and seasonal demand, supports average daily rates of $85-120 during peak seasons (May-September) and $60-85 during off-peak periods. Occupancy rates typically range from 65-75% annually, with higher-end properties near water features achieving up to 80% occupancy. Cash-on-cash returns tend to be strongest in the 7-9% range for properties purchased with 20-25% down payments, while all-cash purchases often see returns in the 6-8% range but with faster break-even timelines of 12-18 months.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Bloomfield, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Realty and RE/MAX Preferred in nearby Madison and Milwaukee areas have experience with investment properties and vacation rentals in the region. Awning, a national service, provides market analysis and property management for Airbnb investments throughout Wisconsin including smaller markets like Bloomfield. RedAwning offers vacation rental property search and investment analysis services covering Wisconsin markets. Local property management companies such as Wisconsin Vacation Rentals and Lake Country Property Management can assist with both acquisition and ongoing management of short-term rental properties in the area. Mashvisor provides real estate investment analysis tools and property search capabilities for Wisconsin markets including rural areas like Bloomfield. AirDNA offers market data and analytics for short-term rental investments in Wisconsin communities. Century 21 and Keller Williams offices in the greater Madison area have agents familiar with investment properties and can assist with purchases in Bloomfield and surrounding Dane County areas.